R. D. Saunders

about this book: It offers a collection of character sketches, entertaining anecdotes, stories and glimpses into a time and place and way of working that are now gone. The author consistently conveys the sense that his younger self was learning from all these different experiences, and that provided a unifying thread, as did the awareness that the story was building up to the eventual major injury described in the prologue. It employs a self-deprecating brand of humor, which was at times is pretty hilarious, but there is also a seriousness to the book. The idea that the life lessons learned were as important as any practical skills acquired comes through strongly, as does the respect, even reverence, conveyed for honest, hard work. Even though these people and these experiences could hardly be further removed from those of most readers it is not necessary to know anything about mining to enjoy reading about the life underground. The strong thread of humanity woven through this work gives it real resonance.